General Information

One of the leading independent co-educational schools in the country, Bishop’s Stortford College is a wonderful place of learning. It is large enough to offer an exceptional range of opportunities, yet small enough for individuals to feel known and valued. We aim to develop well-rounded, adaptable young people who are confident, self-assured, and who have a sense of responsibility and care towards others.

Established in 2007, the Ferguson Lectures are free to attend and open to the public. Held at Bishop’s Stortford College, which this year celebrates its 150th Anniversary year, the spring 2019 lecture series has been especially extended and will focus on the theme of Looking to the Future. The talks will address global issues such as the finite planet, food security, moral and ethical issues, the UK after Brexit and prospects for the English language.

The schedule is as follows:

Thursday 28th February 2019

How Did We Arrive Where We Are?

A brief analysis of the last 150 years with writer and historian Tom Holland.

Thursday 7th March 2019

The UK Post Brexit

With Brendan Simms, Professor of the History of International Relations, Cambridge University.

Wednesday 13th March 2019

How Sustainable Ways of Life Will Change the Way we Live

With Jonathan Bartley, Party Leader, the Green Party of England and Wales.

Wednesday 20th March 2019

What Will Influence our Moral Compass in a Secular Age?

With Revd. Dr. Sam Wells, Vicar of St. Martin in the Fields, London.

Wednesday 24th April 2019

Food Security, Resource Management & Growing Populations

With Tim Wheeler, Professor of Crop Science, University of Reading and Director of Science & Innovation, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

Wednesday 8th May 2019

The Future of English, Once a Powerful Tool in Communications, Diplomacy and Politics

a series of free Lunchtime Concerts at Water Lane United Reformed Church this Spring.

The Church, which has historical links with the College; the latter being founded in 1868 by a group of Nonconformists, will play host to a series of 7 recitals, which start at 1.30pm lasting about 30 minutes. The recitals are open to everyone and are free to attend.

The series will begin on Thursday 24th January with violinist Anthony Tuch and flautists Inez Parsell and Yuki Cheng on flute. Other recitals will feature harp music, solo violin, chamber music and guitar ensemble. The performances will celebrate great music and exceptionally talented young musicians.

Returning to Water Lane, will mark an old association between the College and the United Reformed Church in this, the 150th Anniversary of Bishop’s Stortford College.

meeting of the Bishop’s Stortford Pupil Voice Network (BSPVN). Following their inaugural meeting in March, School Councillors from around the local community met to discuss and share best practice in their own school communities.

The second meeting welcomed representatives from 11 different schools as well as individuals from the business community and Deputy Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford, Councillor Holly Drake. During the meeting, the new logo for BSPVN was unveiled, the design for which was based on entries received in their Logo Competition. Pupils from Thorley Hill Primary School and Little Hadham’s School Councils won prizes of £100 and £20 respectively for their contributions to the final design. The colour scheme of the logo was inspired by the different school uniforms represented in the BSPVN.

As well as networking with one another the Pupil Councillors celebrated their work so far including short presentations from Hatfield Heath Primary School and Northgate Primary School thus sharing a better understanding of how to work most effectively.

The group agreed to adopt a Charity of The Year for 2018/19 and voted for The Animal Rescue Centre in Bishop’s Stortford. Each BSPVN school will aim to organise one fundraising event during the academic year, with the dual purpose of raising awareness of the BSPVN and raising money for a very special local charity. Together, they want to make a real difference in the local community.

Another highlight of the afternoon was a presentation from Mr Mark Prisk MP who sent a six-minute video message, in which he congratulated each pupil council on the work they are doing in the community. He talked about the skills required for leadership, emphasised the importance of listening carefully and how vital it is not to make promises you cannot keep. The video will be shared with each School Council and is sure to prove a very valuable resource to all members of the BSPVN.

After presenting certificates to the new members of the Network, the group welcomed Mrs Hayward – a senior member of staff at H. Samuel and Ernest Jones who talked to the children about prioritisation and time management. Lots of schools were interested to learn about her methods for colour coding ideas when presenting to senior management. Following the event, and some extremely positive feedback it was agreed to hold BSPVN #3 in March 2019.

Bishop’s Stortford College U16 Girls’ Hockey team have secured a place in the National Finals for the first time in the history of girls’ indoor hockey at the College.

The College could not have asked for a better start to Indoor East Finals, opening with a 3-1 victory against New Hall. However, a tough second match against Bromley High resulted in a 3-1 loss, put additional pressure on the girls for their remaining matches as they fought to reach the National Finals.

The girls came into their element in the next three rounds against The Perse (4-2), Stamford (5-1) and Norwich (6-1), with smooth and controlled passing and several outstanding saves from the College goalkeeper. This meant the girls went into their last game, against Framlingham, knowing that a victory, draw or loss by one goal would see them through to the Nationals.

Framlingham took the lead in the final match but the College girls soon equalised. The second half proved much tougher as Framlingham came charging out and scored another goal, leaving the College 2-1 down with only a few minutes left on the clock. Determined not to give up, the girls maintained their composure and demonstrated maturity beyond their years as they held on for the rest of the match, securing their place in the National Finals.

Head of girls’ Hockey, Nick Prowse said, “We’ve never had a girls side reach the National Indoor Finals before and it is testament to the hard work and dedication of the players throughout their time at the College that they’ve made it. We’re really proud of their achievement.” The girls are now training hard for the National Finals which will take place in January 2019.

The Arkwright Scholarships were established in 1991 and are the most prestigious scholarships of their type in the UK. Designed to inspire and nurture school age students, these awards support the future leaders of the engineering profession.

Following a rigorous selection process which whittles down over 1500 applicants through a 2 hour examination and an interview, this is a highly competitive award. The scholarship supports students through their A Level course including hands-on work experience, a personal mentor and funds towards materials, projects, text books, additional technical courses, summer schools and university open days. Scholars are also given access to a variety of exclusive events. At the presentation in London, Vinay was awarded his Scholarship by Air Marshall Julian Young (RAF). The presentation included inspirational talks from leading industry figures as well as the individual statements of all those receiving an award.

Vinay’s Design and Technology teacher, Mr Trant said, “The College has had an incredible track record with these scholarships over the last ten years. Our younger pupils benefit hugely from having so many positive role models in the Sixth Form who demonstrate a passion for engineering and design and show leadership potential in these fields. We are incredibly pleased that Vinay joins the long line of Arkwright Scholars who have gone on to realise their potential at universities such as The University of Cambridge, Imperial College, London and Loughborough.”

12th October members of the College community including Old Stortfordian, parents, staff and pupils gathered in the Memorial Hall for a service to celebrate the changes in our lives over the last 50 years and what pupils in 50 years’ time might look forward to experiencing.

The Time Capsule was the idea of Old Stortfordian (OS) Committee Member Michael Baim (SHb, 58-62). All three sections of the College put forward ideas for content and helped to pull the box together which included poems, a quilt made from College ties, newsletters, theatre programmes, menus from the Dining Hall, drawings and artworks, DVDs of Senior School House Music and a Prep School play, copies of the current prospectus and other items that illustrate College life today.

The Capsule burial was led by John Perry (RPH, 63-68), who was Head Boy in 1968 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother visited the College for their Centenary. Mr Perry also delivered the address during Service in the Memorial Hall and spoke vividly about his role escorting HM Queen Mother during the Centenary Celebrations in 1968.

On Monday 15th October, the College welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Mr Robert Voss CBE who represents Her Majesty The Queen and supports the Royal Family in the county.

Mr Voss was welcomed to the College by the Headmaster, the Bursar, the Chairman of the Governing Council and the Senior School Head Boy and Head Girl. He was then taken on a tour of the campus and spent time with children in Pre-Prep, the Prep School and particularly enjoyed his time in the Senior School Physics Department.

After a formal lunch with the Governors, Heads and other invited guests, the Lord Lieutenant took part in a tree planting ceremony on Masters’ Green to commemorate his visit. Mr Voss expressed his wish to return to the College in 10 years’ time to see how ‘his tree’, a handkerchief tree, is growing.

Jeremy Gladwin, College Headmaster commented, “We very much enjoyed welcoming our distinguished visitor and we hope he will have left with a clear sense of what makes Bishop’s Stortford College such a special place of living and learning.”

of their group games, the next two matches against St Anthony’s and Lockers Park were crucial to the boy’s progression in the tournament. Fortunately the team won both with a goal from Max L-T in the former and Owen C in the latter to their opponents’ nil.

In the quarter final they faced Chigwell. It was a tense match which, after both sides failed to score, went to a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Freddie H saved two penalties while his team mates Yussif K and Owen C managed to score their penalties past the Chigwell keeper. With a final score of 2-1, the College team were through to the semi-finals.

In the semi-finals they faced Lochinver House. Yussif K and Owen C again scored the goals that put them through to the final. An excellent performance.

Up against Westbrook Hay in the final, the boys put in a tremendous performance. Miles L-T once again scored but Westbrook managed to get two late goals past the College defence in the second half to take the win 2-1.

After a great effort from the whole squad the boys were delighted for be through to the National Finals which will be held in Taunton on 4th November. David Herd, who coaches the team commented, “The boys went from strength from strength as the tournament progressed and were very unlucky in the final. They’ll work hard and hope to go one better at the National Finals.”

seconds during the FINA Swimming World Cup in Eindhoven earlier this week.

Training hard throughout the summer and feeling confident before her swim, the FINA Swimming World Cup is part of Elinah’s preparation for the Youth Olympic Games to be held in Argentina later this month where Elinah has qualified to swim in in the 50m Freestyle and Butterfly and the 100m Freestyle.

Elinah’s Eindhoven programme has included 4 events, the 50m Freestyle and Butterfly and the 100m Freestyle and Butterfly.

Einah’s training is supported at the College by the Elite Sports Programme which offers bespoke strength and conditioning training tailored to her individual and the requirements of swimming. Where necessary, Elinah’s academic timetable is adjusted to accommodate training time and expert coaching.

Bishop’s Stortford College net big team caps

have all secured places with London Pulse after a full day of trials at the London Copper Box Arena – the London venue for the National Performance Netball league – the netball equivalent of the Premiership. London Pulse is one of just 10 National Performance League teams and Harriet will shortly take up her place in their U17’s High Performance Hub.

The girls reported that they all had “stomachs churning with nerves”. Competing against 200 other girls, they knew from the outset they would have to show determination and grit to gain one of the 90 available places.

Following warm-ups the girls were put through their paces. The standard was very high and all the games fast paced. Each games was just 10 minutes long and the girls played 3 or 4 games each, depending on the draw in the first 10 rounds. The short duration of each game meant only a very short opportunity to impress the selectors and after lunch all 3 girls played again. It was a long and tough day, playing against some very talented players and they each came away hoping they had done enough.

Just two days later, all three received an email from the selectors congratulating them on their performance and for securing a place in one of the Pulse U17 hubs. Harriet, Alex and Ellie are all very excited to start training.

Katie W is also celebrating her place in the County Academy. This is the second step on the England Netball Performance Pathway and is aimed at 14-16 year old’s who are looking to progress further in netball.

Elite players at the College are supported by an Elite Sports Programme which offers bespoke strength and conditioning training tailored to the individual and their sport, if necessary, an adapted timetable to accommodate training time and expert coaching.

and acceptance in their Houses and to liaise with other House members in the celebration of different cultures.

Diversity Prefects, Ella S. and Curvis E. addressed the Senior School during Assembly to introduce fellow pupils to their Diversity Ambassadors and explain their roles. They said, “The world today is fast paced and vibrant – full of human beings from different backgrounds, cultures, ideals, identities, gender identities, religion and beliefs. In some ways, in many parts of the world, society is more accepting than ever before. However, it can also be a confusing and hateful place at times, where some may experience loneliness, isolation and fear.”

Ella and Curvis went on to explain the role of the Diversity Prefects and Ambassadors within the College Community was to ensure everyone in the school recognised and celebrated individuality and differences. Their mission is to ensure the College is a welcoming place, where everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender or religion feels comfortable and valued, not only within themselves but within the College campus too.

During the coming year, the Diversity Team will be marking special occasions to celebrate diversity and bring about some positive change to last for generations to come. These occasions will explore human rights and equality and include October’s Black History Month, November’s Anti-Bullying Week and next Spring’s LGBT History Month. The team are also open to ideas from across the campus especially where it will improve the College provision for transgender or non-binary pupils at the College.

The Festival Open Events commence on Friday evening with music and narrative art as Chris Riddell, through the power of live drawing, illustrates his interpretation of the musical programme performed by Bishop’s Stortford College Orchestra and choirs.

On Saturday 2nd, award-winning authors Gillian McClure, Pippa Goodheart and Rosemary Hayes will discuss their best tips and tricks for writing children’s books. On Sunday evening, comedy connoisseur Robin Ince will attempt to examine the human condition through the prism of humour.

What’s in a name? Shakespeare fans will be blown away by Debs Newbold’simaginative and passionate re-telling of literary classics such as King Lear and Romeo and Juliet.

Be inspired to live life to the full by author and sportswoman Claire Lomas MBE as she shares her incredible story of courage, strength and determination, following a terrible accident, to rebuild her life. Wildlife author, photographer and cameraman Dr. Michael Leach will keep you entertained with his lively, informative and thought-provoking talk about his wild adventures.

On Wednesday, delve into the world of award-winning writer and illustrator, Sarah McIntyre, as she discusses her love of drawing and passion for her #PicturesMeanBusiness campaign. The evening continues as bestselling novelist, Diane Setterfield, discusses her new novel which is full of suspense, romance and mystery.

Each year, the Festival of Literature provides an opportunity to celebrate poetry, and this year we welcome Luke Wright, who has been called “one of the funniest and most brilliant poets of his generation”. Since 2006, he has written and performed nine spoken word shows and two verse plays, has won numerous awards including a Fringe First Award and began his campaign to become the new Poet Laureate, with his award winning show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2018.

On Friday we welcome one of the world’s leading art critics and broadcasters, Andrew Graham-Dixon as he explores the hidden meanings and inspiration behind many of his favourite paintings including the work of wartime artist Paul Nash.

On Saturday 9th, chef, writer and presenter, Saira Hamilton will be cooking up a storm, and David Starkey, historian and TV and radio presenter will give us an analysis of the ever-changing marriage customs of the British Monarchy, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. An evening not to be missed!

Illustrator and author, Jackie Morris, will bring the Festival to a close on Thursday 14th February as she brings to light the beauty of nearby nature through words and imagery, so often overlooked and taken for granted.

In addition to the rich variety of our Open Events, we will also welcome younger audiences to share in a variety of Schools Events, starring a number of popular children’s authors. This year, the line-up includes Chitra Soundar, Philip Reeveand Paul Cookson amongst others.

Another local schools favourite is the Bishop’s Stortford Picture Book Award, voted for by pupils from across the region, which will be presented by our very first Picture Book Award Winner, Sarah McIntyre.

The 2019 Festival of Literature programme includes something for everyone, and we warmly welcome you to Bishop’s Stortford College to celebrate storytelling in all of its forms.

Tickets for the 2019 Bishop’s Stortford College Festival of Literature go on sale on 1st October! Make sure you are following the Festival on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates! Just search for @BSCFestLit.

For full programme details, including times and ticket prices, please visit the College website.

And don’t forget to join us on Facebook and Twitter to be the first to hear all the exciting Festival news!

Old Stortfordians) was held in the College’s Memorial Hall which over 300 people attended. This was followed by a special birthday tea in the adjacent marquee.

Celebrations of this auspicious occasion continued the following day; at morning break, pupils from across the campus gathered to dance along to The Village People’s YMCA as they launched their Whole College fundraising activities in aid of ONE YMCA, Bishop’s Stortford. Almost 1000 pupils and staff joined the dance which was held in glorious sunshine on Middle Green.

Pupils also brought in specially baked ‘birthday cakes’ for a competition in the Prep School and Trotman House girls in the Senior School held a cake sale at lunchtime also aid of ONE YMCA, Bishop’s Stortford.

Celebrations will continue throughout the academic year. This term pupils will look forward to the burial of a time capsule, a visit from the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire in October and in November, a specially commissioned play will be performed by Senior School dramatists. Trees will also be planted around the College campus.

A limited edition, History of Bishop’s Stortford College is also in production and will be available to purchase at the College’s 10th Festival of Literature in February 2019. Further details are available on the College website.

College student Elinah Philip was the very proud recipient of the prestigious Wilkinson Sword in recognition of her achievements in the sport of Swimming.

Awarded annually this is the first time the sword has been awarded to a Bishop’s Stortford Swimming Club member for 25 years and indeed, the first time is has been awarded since 2013.

Elinah’s name will join those of previous recipients when it is engraved onto a plaque in the case which houses the sword. The Wilkinson Sword is kept in its presentation case on permanent display but Elinah was given a smaller replica to take home. Elinah was awarded the Sword jointly with another swimmer from Hatfield SC, both of whom had swum in the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Mrs Deborah Huggett, Head of Swimming at Bishop’s Stortford College said, “We are all so proud of Elinah and everything she has achieved. She is a tremendous ambassador for both her sport and her school.”

of new reformed subjects (which accounted for 2/3 of all examinations) achieved the top grades of A* or 9 against the average in England of 4.5%*. In the non-reformed subjects, 57% of grades were A* – A.

31 pupils have been awarded the College’ prestigious Ten Club tie for achieving a 7, 8, 9, A or A* in ten subjects. Twins, Edward and Jack Holman are part of this cohort and will be staying on at the College for Sixth Form having gained 4 9s and 5 A*s between them.

College Headmaster, Jeremy Gladwin commented, “In a year when examinations have become considerably more demanding for both teaching staff and pupils, I am thrilled that we have not just performed well across the board, but have surpassed all expectations when it comes to the new and prestigious grade 9. I am immensely grateful for the vast amount of hard work undertaken by the teaching body who have been severely tested by having to prepare new courses at both GCSE and A Level. The pupils have responded magnificently to their expert tuition and have worked so hard to gain these impressive results.”

*Based on figures published today by Ofqual. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infographic-gcse-results-2018